Investing in a new coat is a big-ticket decision. It’s not a trend piece or something frivolous; this purchase will likely set you back more than anything else you’ll hang in your closet. 

The right option will see you though many winters, so this is no flash-in-the-pan purchase. It wraps around your shoulders like a hug from a friend. It’s armour to ward off winter’s chill and to bring your cool-weather self to life. 

You’ll want to make sure the coat is just right for you for when you need it most. Boardroom baroness? A houndstooth trench could be a great option. More casually minded sartorially? Try a wool shacket. A sideline supporter? How about an elegant recycled puffer. There are trenches for the Wasps and PVC brights for the more adventurous. Whatever you wrap up in this season, make sure it’s uniquely right for you. 

Kate Sylvester Taylor coat, $899
This coat is the perfect weight for the mild chill of our northern cities. It’s cut in a fine-gauge wool that is easy-care and long-lasting. For closets more versed in neutrals, you’ll find crisp, bright red a perfect addition. It’s magical with denim and the ideal accompaniment to taupe, white and black. Shop

Camilla and Marc George trench in oyster, $1080
The light, neutral trench is a must-have, period. It’s the perfect companion for a dress, over a suit or for weekend wear. Personally, I’m partial to something longline for the elegance it brings. The ideal length skims the top of the ankle, highlighting the shape of the leg. Shop

Mina stone coat in chestnut, $950
Mina collections have really come into their own lately, carving the brand’s own memorable stamp into the New Zealand fashion landscape. Everything that designer Natalie Procter creates has an earthy, soulful vibe with enough construction and considered fabrication to ensure the purchase will stand the test of time. Shop

Zambesi veneer coat in Fanta, $850
Sometimes we crave to be bold. The Zambesi veneer coat is a standout that turns heads with its high shine and flamboyance. Wear it open atop full-bodied trousers or cinched tight at the waist for an hourglass 1950s look. Shop

Penny Sage CC coat in lemonade, $860 
In Rawhiti yellow, the CC coat has it all. Cut in a wool, cotton and silk blend fabric, it has a lacquered coating to resist the winter showers to come. Taking cues from the 1970s, you’ll find it impossible to feel glum in this. Shop

Harris Tapper Elliot shacket, $649
Fashion does Kiwiana with this “shacket” – part shirt, part jacket – which plays to the nostalgic bush shirt. The weight of the wool will bring structure to your frame. If you’re yet to invest in one, this could be your winter. This style has become a casualwear mainstay for colder temperatures. Shop

Juliette Hogan puffer coat in olive, $659 
The Juliette Hogan puffer is cut in recycled polyester and filled with recycled down. It’s an elevated take on a classic – and if you have early Sunday morning sideline responsibilities, as I do, this could be the chic cold-weather solution for you. Shop

Holland Cooper Marlborough trench in houndstooth, $2039 from Angel Divine 
Tune into your inner equestrian with this full-length houndstooth coat from Holland Cooper. The brand is English heritage with a twist, and although this coat is no wallflower, its nod to the classic will ensure it becomes a long-time winter companion. Shop

Acne Studios belted double coat, $2098 from Workshop 
Equal parts elegant and snugly, this alpaca coat feels soft and looks demure. It is set to become a high-rotation item in any closet it hangs in. Pair it with winter white and a bright-red lip for low-temperature sartorial goodness. Shop

Scanlan Theodore faux fur collared coat, A$2400
A statement piece ready and waiting for a winter black-tie outing. Part Bond villain, part seat on the board – you’ll make an entrance wherever you go in this Australian-made beauty. Try pairing it with flat boots and relaxed-fit blue jeans for a play on the uptown/downtown juxtaposition. Shop

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